Coming Sunday: The first of four Black History Month reports featuring a prominent member of the local African-American community.

By JACQUELINE BOSTICK / The News Herald

Published: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 09:27 PM.

PANAMA CITY — In February 1976, President Gerald Ford “issued a message of observance,” urging the nation’s citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Some local officials are urging local citizens in the same way.

Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki, with support of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Diversity Council members, will officially proclaim February as Black History month at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

“When I think of Black History Month, I think of my hero, Martin Luther King,” Brudnicki said, noting his favorite quote by King: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they won’t be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Bay County commissioners will not issue a Black History Month proclamation; however, as a part of its centennial celebration, the display board located in the rotunda of the county building will feature a Black History Month display, said county spokeswoman Valerie Sale.

PANAMA CITY — In February 1976, President Gerald Ford “issued a message of observance,” urging the nation’s citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Some local officials are urging local citizens in the same way.

Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki, with support of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Diversity Council members, will officially proclaim February as Black History month at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

“When I think of Black History Month, I think of my hero, Martin Luther King,” Brudnicki said, noting his favorite quote by King: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they won’t be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Bay County commissioners will not issue a Black History Month proclamation; however, as a part of its centennial celebration, the display board located in the rotunda of the county building will feature a Black History Month display, said county spokeswoman Valerie Sale.

The display will be assembled by the Panama City African-American Cultural Center and will feature weekly themes and persons of interest of the local African-American community, officials from the center said.

Callaway Mayor Thomas Abbott will proclaim the month as Black History Month at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the City Commission meeting held at the Callaway Arts and Conference Center, 500 Callaway Parkway.

Mayor Walter Kelley of Lynn Haven said the city has never issued a proclamation, but he said he will entertain one if it is requested.

Parker officials said the city plans to consider a proclamation, though a date has not been scheduled. Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst said she didn’t know whether a proclamation would be on an upcoming agenda. Springfield city officials could not be reached Thursday.

Black History Month has its roots in Negro History Week, first celebrated by African-Americans in February 1926. The weeklong observance, founded by Carter G. Woodson, highlighted the accomplishments of blacks.

In 1996, President Bill Clinton officially proclaimed February of that year as National African-American History Month and called upon his fellow government officials, colleagues and all citizens of the country to engage in activities that raise awareness about African-American history.

Every year since then, presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American History Month.

Local Black History Month events

-“Celebrating our Past … Building our Future”: The National Blacks in Wax Museum will be held at the A.D. Harris Learning Village Cafeteria, 819 E. 11th St. on Feb. 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 20. Also, a heritage program will be held Feb. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The museum and program is free and open to the public. Details: Downtown North CRA, 215-3869

-The Bay County Public Library will host a Black History Month presentation Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The topics “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality” and “The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington” will be discussed. The library also will display artwork by local artist Ricky Steele throughout the month. Details: 522-2100

-Florida State University Panama City, in conjunction with Gulf Coast State College African-American Student Union, will host a Black History Program Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Holley Academic Building. There will be featured performers. Keith Banton and his jazz band and Curtis “C.C.” Carter of WKGC and 99.3 The Beat will be special guest honoree. Janice Lucas will be speaking on the impact C.C. Carter has made has through music on the local community. Details: Tanisha Peterson, 770-2197, or Trina Jackson, 770-2172

Are you hosting a Black History month event? Please send information to pcnhnews@pcnh.com with the subject line “Black History Month.”